A Tale Of Two Lamborghinis
Stuart Shield test drives a dynamic duo of the marque’s latest performance cars.
The Huracán
You can spend a fortune to look good. First visit Gieves & Hawkes tailors in Savile Row and get measured for a bespoke suit, then off to John Lobb in St. James’s Street for a pair of made to measure classic brogues. Just around the corner in Jermyn Street call in to Turnbull & Asser for tailor made shirts and woven silk ties, then over to Bruton Street in Mayfair for a pair of cufflinks. A short walk into New Bond Street will enable you to purchase a Patek Phillipe watch which, according to the brand you will never actually own, but simply look after for your heir. Alternatively, for the same amount of money you could buy the latest Lamborghini Huracán. You will be so much happier if you choose the car as there is a limit to the fun you will have wearing expensive clothes, whereas you can have endless fun in either the two-wheel or four-wheel drive version of this extroverted automotive icon.
Lamborghini has made it simple to drive which is just as well if you are not a professional racing driver on his weekend off. This car is not far short of 600 brake horse power generated from a V10 engine. The designers have thoughtfully packaged the options so the bold exterior colour scheme can be faithfully matched in just the right proportions in the trim and leather interior. The central console has banks of jet fighter style switches and the trademark starter is accessed by flipping a lid reminiscent of a missile launch button. You can set the car’s ride and handling according to your mood and alter the exhaust note, suspension and steering. The removable roof on the Spyder comes off in seconds and there is plenty of directional heating if you want to enjoy the open air even on the coldest days. It is achingly good looking and the only reason anyone would walk away from it is because they know they can return anytime they want to carry on having fun.
The Aventador
This car is stunning to look at from any angle which is why almost everyone who gazes at it cannot peel their eyes away. Our streets are filled with dull looking buildings and cars so a rare glimpse of such a colourful beauty is bound to raise the spirits. Hats off to the design team at Lamborghini for their original design. With so many cars looking similar with only a badge to tell them apart, the same could not be levelled at the Aventador. With 12 cylinders and a little under 700 horse power, this car occasionally needs a drink and when pulling into the local Shell filling station, there before me was a rare sight, a pump attendant standing by the banks of Gilbarco pumps offering to fill the car. He took his time but I was in no rush. After what seemed an age he told to me that I had made his day – or even his week as he quickly corrected himself.
Even as I stood in the queue to pay, the attendant was taking pictures with his iPhone. When I returned to the car, I invited him to sit in the passenger seat. I then climbed in, pulled the scissor door shut and I asked him if he would he like to have a short run. Seeing his face was worth it and when we returned he declared it was the experience of his lifetime. The car is so quick that the brain struggles to keep pace with what the eyes register of the passing scenery, taking your eyes off the road is not recommended if you place more than the lightest pressure on the accelerator. The car can reach the benchmark 60mph in under three seconds – very few cars can do that.
If you would like to experience a test drive in either the Huracán or the Aventador, register your interest at drive@ipropertymedia.com
